Connie Bersok
Connie Bersok, wetlands scientist, worked in wetlands regulation for the Florida Department Environmental Protection (DEP) for 30 years. She was responsible for review and permit recommendations for proposed large-scale projects in wetlands, development of Florida’s uniform mitigation assessment method, program oversight of the Springs Initiative Program and spring restoration projects, and administration of Florida’s Mitigation Bank Program.
In 2012, Ms. Bersok was suspended after recommending against a permit for a developer’s wetlands mitigation bank, eventually testifying against the DEP. She was later cleared of any alleged work violations. She was awarded the Public Interest Citizen of the Year from the Florida Bar, Land Use Law Section, in 2012. Ms. Bersok, who earned her master’s degree from UF’s Center for Wetlands, is also a Certified Ecological Restoration Professional.